Cowboy Beans

Cowboy Beans Recipe - Authentic American Cuisine

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Cowboy beans are a hearty and flavorful dish that has been enjoyed for generations. This classic recipe features pinto beans cooked with onions, bacon drippings, smoked ham hock, tomato paste, green chiles, and a blend of spices. Served over hot cooked rice, cowboy beans are a satisfying meal that is perfect for a cozy night in or a gathering with friends and family.

History

Cowboy beans have roots in the American West, where cowboys and ranchers would often cook up hearty meals over an open fire. This dish was a staple on the trail, providing a filling and nutritious meal for those working long days in the saddle. Over time, cowboy beans have become a beloved comfort food enjoyed by people across the country.

Ingredients

1 cup of chopped onion
1 tbsp of vegetable oil or bacon drippings
3 cups of drained cooked pinto beans
1 smoked ham hock
1 6 oz (170 g) can of tomato paste
1 4 oz (113 g) can of diced green chiles
1 tsp of sugar
1 tsp of chili powder
2 cups of water
3 cups of hot cooked rice

How to prepare

Cook the onion in oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat until the onion becomes transparent.
Add the beans, ham hock, tomato paste, chiles, sugar, chili powder, and water.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer, uncovered, for 45 minutes.
Remove the ham hock from the pot, cut the meat off the bone, and dice it.
Return the diced meat to the beans.
Serve the beans over rice.

Variations

Add cooked ground beef or sausage for a meatier version of cowboy beans.
Stir in some corn kernels or bell peppers for added color and flavor.
Top the beans with shredded cheese, sour cream, or sliced avocado for a creamy finish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

For a smokier flavor, you can use smoked paprika or add a few drops of liquid smoke to the beans.

- If you prefer a spicier dish, you can add a dash of hot sauce or extra chili powder to the beans.

- To save time, you can use canned pinto beans instead of cooking them from scratch.

- Be sure to remove the ham hock from the pot before serving and dice the meat to add back to the beans for added flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Cowboy beans are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a side of cornbread, a green salad, or some fresh fruit for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Simmer the beans over low heat to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Stir the beans occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

- Adjust the seasonings to taste before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have bacon drippings, you can use vegetable oil or butter as a substitute.

- Instead of pinto beans, you can use kidney beans or black beans for a different twist on the recipe.

- If you don't have a ham hock, you can use diced ham or bacon for a similar flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the cowboy beans ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat the beans on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the cowboy beans in a rustic bowl or on a platter with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a pop of color. You can also garnish the beans with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce for added flair.

Pairing Recommendations

Cowboy beans pair well with grilled meats, such as steak or chicken, as well as with cornbread or biscuits. For a complete meal, serve the beans with a side of coleslaw or roasted vegetables.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover cowboy beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the beans in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of cowboy beans contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of cowboy beans contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of cowboy beans contains approximately 5 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of cowboy beans contains approximately 10 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Cowboy beans are a good source of iron, potassium, and vitamin C.

Alergens

This recipe contains pork (ham hock) and may not be suitable for those with pork allergies.

Summary

Cowboy beans are a nutritious and filling dish that is rich in carbohydrates, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals. With a balance of flavors and textures, this recipe is sure to satisfy your hunger and keep you energized throughout the day.

Summary

Cowboy beans are a classic dish that is easy to make and full of flavor. With a combination of beans, ham hock, and spices, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you're cooking for a crowd or just enjoying a cozy night in, cowboy beans are a delicious and satisfying meal that will leave you feeling full and happy.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated by its simplicity. It was a sunny afternoon in the late 1950s, and I was visiting my friend Mabel’s farm. She had just finished preparing a big pot of Cowboy Beans for lunch, and the delicious aroma wafted through the air, drawing me in like a moth to a flame.

As I watched Mabel effortlessly chop onions and garlic, brown ground beef, and open cans of beans, I knew I had to learn how to make this dish. I begged her for the recipe, and she laughed and told me that there was no recipe – it was all in her head. But she promised to teach me how to make it the next time I visited.

And so, over the next few months, I spent countless hours in Mabel’s kitchen, watching and learning as she cooked up batch after batch of Cowboy Beans. I quickly realized that the key to this dish was not in the ingredients themselves, but in the technique and the love that went into every step of the process.

Mabel taught me that the secret to great Cowboy Beans was in the layering of flavors – starting with a base of onions and garlic sautéed in bacon grease, adding in the ground beef and letting it brown to perfection, and then gently stirring in the beans and seasonings to let everything meld together into a delicious, hearty stew.

But it wasn’t just the technique that made Mabel’s Cowboy Beans so special – it was the stories she shared as we cooked. She told me about her days working on the ranch, about the cowboys who would come in from a long day of riding and roping, hungry and tired. And how she would whip up a big pot of Cowboy Beans to feed them all, warming their bellies and their hearts at the same time.

As I listened to Mabel’s stories, I realized that the recipe for Cowboy Beans wasn’t just a list of ingredients and instructions – it was a piece of history, a connection to a time and a place that was long gone but still lived on in the flavors and aromas that filled her kitchen.

And so, armed with Mabel’s teachings and her stories, I set out to master the art of making Cowboy Beans on my own. I experimented with different types of beans, tried adding in different spices and seasonings, and even threw in some diced tomatoes and green chilies for a little extra kick.

But no matter how much I tinkered with the recipe, I always came back to Mabel’s original version – simple, hearty, and filled with love. And every time I make a pot of Cowboy Beans now, I think of her and the lessons she taught me about cooking, about life, and about the importance of sharing a meal with those you love.

So here it is, my version of Mabel’s Cowboy Beans – a recipe that has been passed down through generations, filled with memories and stories and the simple joy of good food shared with good company. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do, and that it brings a little taste of the old west into your kitchen and your heart.